Formal is fabulous
By: Garden Gate staff
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Formal is easy
Formal gardens don’t have to seem out of reach or out of date! The beautiful setting here features the clean lines and geometric shapes of this classic design style. But there are some elements that can be used on any scale and even combined with a more casual style to add structure and balance.
Just keep clicking to find out more.
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Keep it colorful
Blue and yellow make a classic color combination. A mass planting of forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) is highlighted by shades of yellow, and both brighten the deep green shrub foliage. Don’t like this pair of pastels? You can always spice things up with warm colors, such as red, orange and yellow.
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Line the way
Bright yellow tulips (Tulipa hybrid) in containers draw attention to an important path. A single cultivar in terra-cotta pots is suitable for a formal garden — no complicated plantings with lots of different plants needed. This solid block of color captures your attention and points you in the right direction.
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Shapely shrubs
Two large pyramidal yews (Taxus spp. and hybrids) anchor the plantings and add height to bridge the gap between the tall trees and lower garden. Keeping the yews and boxwoods (Buxus spp. and hybrids) tightly clipped adds strong structure. Plus it creates interesting contrast with the more natural habits throughout the border.
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